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Yellow toenail treatment

04 Sep 18

Yellow nails are not only a cosmetic defect, but also an indicator of possible ill health in the body, since the cause of such nail problems can be endocrine, cardiovascular and other serious disorders.

Causes of yellow nails

Possible causes of yellowing nails not related to disease

1. Long-term use of certain medications: tetracycline antibiotics, arsenic drugs, quinoline drugs.

2. External influence of various chemical compounds. This could be nail polish, nail polish remover, or household chemicals. As a rule, the negative impact of such products affects only the exposed part of the nail. If you don't let your nails "rest" without polish, it won't lead to anything good. As a result of constant staining, nails become brittle, weak, their surface is deformed and a yellowish color appears.

3. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

4. Smoking. Over time, the nicotine and tar contained in cigarettes accumulate in the body, causing discoloration of the nails. Quitting tobacco is the best way to maintain good health and solve the problem of yellow nails.

Diseases that cause yellow nails

Diseases in which this symptom is observed and a brief description of the accompanying symptoms.

1) Congenital nail diseases.

2) Acquired nail diseases can be divided into three main groups:

a) trophic changes in the nail associated with dysfunction of various organs and systems, in particular the nervous system;

b) nail diseases associated with the influence of local factors (mechanical, physical, chemical, biological);

c) changes in the nail due to various skin diseases.

Congenital nail diseases

Onychogryphosis is a congenital nail disease in which the nail plate has longitudinal and transverse striations and a claw-like shape. With onychogryphosis, the nail plate thickens (hyperonychia), becomes unusually hard, dull, dirty yellow or brown, reaches a length of several centimeters, rises and bends to the side, resembling a claw or a ram's horn.

Acquired nail diseases

Trophic changes in nails. Among the acquired changes in the nails ( acquired dystrophic onychia ), an important place is occupied by lesions caused by trophic disorders in the area of ​​the nail matrix (the area of ​​the epithelium of the nail bed under the root part of the nail plate, due to cell division of which the nail grows) with a temporary disruption of its function. In this case, almost all nails are quickly affected. Changes in the nail plates are at the same stage of development; there are no inflammatory phenomena in the area of ​​the nail folds. The affected nail plates become dull, yellowish-gray, and transverse stripes called Bo's arcuate grooves and pinpoint depressions appear on their surface. Less commonly observed are brittle nails, splitting in the longitudinal direction, usually starting from the free edge of the nail plate (onychorrhexis), lag or separation of the nail from the nail bed, developing gradually from the anterior edge of the nail towards the lunula (in some cases, this process is associated with the development of subungual hyperkeratosis ), ulceration and thickening of the nails, tuberosity of the nail plates. Rapid separation of the nail plate from the underlying tissues, which then (for example, with a minor injury) disappears, is called onychomadesis.

Dystrophic onychias can be observed in many infectious diseases (typhoid and typhus, pneumonia, malaria, scarlet fever, measles, rubella, dysentery, etc.), chronic specific infections (tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy), diseases of the nervous system (for example, with various neuritis origin, syringomyelia, poliomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, tabes dorsalis (late neurosyphilis)).

Nail dystrophy is observed in Raynaud's disease, varicose veins, elephantiasis, atherosclerosis, rheumatism, diseases of the endocrine system (diffuse toxic goiter, hypothyroidism, acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing's disease), nutritional dystrophy, intoxication (occupational hazards, chronic alcoholism, etc.) , after difficult operations and childbirth. They can occur with some hypovitaminosis. With pellagra, the nails become dull, grayish-yellow in color, covered with longitudinal grooves, and less often with transverse white stripes.

Nail diseases associated with the influence of local factors are most often associated with occupational hazards. Yellowing of nails can be caused by exposure to high temperatures, but most often this symptom is a consequence of the action of chemicals. In this case, the color of the nail plate may change due to the introduction of various coloring substances, for example, chromium compounds.

Changes in nails in various skin diseases

With onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail), the appearance of the nails changes. They acquire a greenish or yellow color, and sometimes they can even become dark in color, become thick, flake, and split. Under the nail you can find traces of the vital activity of microorganisms - a white-yellow coating with an unpleasant odor. Indentations often appear on the surface of the nail plate.

Nails are often affected by psoriasis. In this case, changes in the nails may occur before skin rashes (isolated nail psoriasis). Nails become dull, turn yellow, become brittle, their free edge thickens and peels off from the nail bed. Often with psoriasis, small pinpoint depressions appear on the surface of the nails, resembling a thimble (the so-called thimble nails); the development of subungual hemorrhages, psoriatic paronychia (inflammation of the periungual fold, accompanied by redness and swelling and pain of varying intensity), onychogryphosis, softening of the nail plate is possible.

Nail psoriasis: thimble psoriasis, bo's arcuate grooves

What tests to take if your nails turn yellow?

Due to the wide variety of possible causes of yellowing of nails, there is no universal algorithm for examining and treating such patients. When interviewing and examining the patient, the doctor determines the necessary direction of further examination. Most often it is carried out:

1. Culture for onychomycosis with determination of sensitivity to antifungal drugs.

2. blood glucose (normal values ​​are 3.3-5.5 mmol/l, an increase in glucose levels indicates the likelihood of diabetes mellitus);

3. X-ray of the chest organs (if pneumonia, tuberculosis and other lung pathologies are suspected).

4. Biochemical blood test: increased cholesterol levels due to atherosclerotic vascular lesions; changes in bilirubin levels in liver pathology.

5. Blood test for RW if syphilis is suspected.

6. Blood TSH, T3, T4 for diagnosing thyroid diseases.

If you are sure that the yellowness of the nails is not associated with a disease, then to eliminate it it is possible to use some folk remedies and follow the rules of hygiene:

1. Compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules when performing manicure and pedicure. If the skin of the nail fold is injured, it is necessary to treat it with hydrogen peroxide, iodine solution, etc.

2. Regular washing of hands, feet and elimination of sweating to prevent fungal infections of the nails of the hands and feet.

3. Refusal to use low-quality cosmetics and bright varnishes. Although opinions on this matter are mixed. It is known that most varnishes are made on the basis of nitrocellulose, which, with prolonged exposure, turns toenails and fingernails yellow. The solution is to use a basic product. However, it is possible that it will also contain nitrocellulose. Recently, some manufacturers of nail products have included a synthetic analogue with the abbreviation CAB in their cosmetics. You can look for varnishes and bases with this ingredient.

4. To be completely sure that you will take good care of your natural nails, you should wear the polish for no longer than 4-5 days. Then take a short break (at least for a day), during which you nourish your nails with essential oils, fatty cream, nail yeast and other means to strengthen natural nails. In general, the porous structure of the nail suggests that for healthy growth it needs to be allowed to “breathe.”

5. You can get rid of yellow nails yourself. To do this, you need to apply a little lemon juice to your nails, or make a bath with sea salt.

6. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and is considered a powerful anti-fungal agent that causes yellow spots. This oil can be mixed with a few drops of olive oil, and you can also use tea tree oil in combination with lavender oil (it helps in preventing skin irritation).

7. Another popular way to treat yellow discoloration at home is to use apple cider vinegar. You need to mix 2 cups of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water, mix well and soak your toes and hands for 15 minutes. This procedure must be done three times a day and repeated until the condition improves. Don’t forget to wipe your feet and hands dry after the procedure.

However, if you suspect a disease, it is important not to self-medicate, since yellowing of the nails can be the initial manifestation of a severe pathology (jaundice of various natures, infectious diseases, psoriatic nail lesions, etc.), which require immediate consultation with a doctor and the start of specific treatment under medical supervision.

Which doctor should I consult if my nails are yellow?

Therapist, dermatologist. You may need to consult doctors: endocrinologist, phthisiatrician, infectious disease specialist, neurologist.

Yellow nail on big toe

Many people have the problem of changing the color of the toenail plate. Since this issue is very delicate, most victims are embarrassed to see a doctor, and in vain. A yellow nail on the big toe does not appear without a reason; a change in the color of the plate can signal the appearance of diseases that require mandatory treatment.

What is yellow nail

The yellowness of the nail plate on the hands and feet is a consequence of exposure to any unfavorable external factors, which subsequently lead to pigmentation. Some people are born with a specific nail color that can range from yellow to a distinct orange, but in this case this color is normal. It happens that the color changes and begins to peel off from the nail bed due to loosening the structure of the nail plate, in which case you need to check for fungal infections.

Why do the nails on my big toes turn yellow?

There are many reasons why a yellow toenail appears. At the same time, both men and women suffer from this problem for completely different reasons:

  • Often, yellow toenails form when the patient has acute or chronic liver disease. In this case, an uncharacteristic shade of the nails first forms, and then the color of the whites of the eyes and skin becomes yellow.
  • Imbalance of microflora. A lack of beneficial microorganisms in the stomach can lead to yellowness and diseases of the internal organs.
  • The presence of a fungal infection. In this case, the plate on the toe looks painful, takes on an uncharacteristic color, and the tissue structure of some areas of the nail plate begins to change.
  • Middle-aged and elderly people may experience the so-called yellow nail syndrome. In this case, the toenails begin to peel, thicken and change color.
  • If the toenail turns yellow and becomes thicker, this may be a consequence of diabetes mellitus or other pathologies, such as psoriasis.
  • The plate may become yellow and thick when the immune system is reduced or the protective or nervous system is impaired.
  • Failure to comply with hygiene rules can also lead to the appearance of a yellow tint on the nail plates of the feet.
  • Excessive sweating or wearing synthetic and uncomfortable shoes is also undesirable. These conditions cause symptoms characteristic of fungus - thickening of the nail and the appearance of white spots.
  • With long-term use of antibiotics, you should not be surprised if the nail on your big toe turns yellow, since this factor can also cause the manifestation of the disease.
  • Infectious or somatic diseases can affect the color of nails.
  • Why do women's toenails turn yellow?

    A yellow toenail in women may appear as a result of using low-quality nail coating products (varnishes). The chemical elements contained in the composition, penetrating deep into the keratin, can cause staining of the nails. The lack of a base coat can also affect the color of the plate. When applied, any varnish gives the plate a yellowish tint. The brighter the color, the stronger the staining will be, so you should apply a nail base coat before using any bright polish.

    Before starting any treatment, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis. In order to determine the cause of the appearance of a yellow nail on the big toe, a dermatologist needs to examine the yellowed plate under a specialized lamp and take biomaterial (a piece of a thick plate) for microscopic examination and identification of mycoses. After this, a scraping is taken from the skin around the diseased nail and blood is drawn to detect antibodies to leprosy and syphilis.

    For any reason of the disease, it is necessary to monitor your lifestyle and proper nutrition. In addition, you should start taking vitamins. If the plate on the big toe has turned yellow or a yellow spot has formed as a result of improper use of nail polishes or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, then they can be bleached. For this procedure, you can use toothpaste or lemon juice.

    Drug treatment

    Depending on the cause of the disease, your doctor may prescribe various types of medications:

  • If the cause of the appearance of yellow spots is problems with the liver (cirrhosis or hepatitis), then in such cases effective drug treatment is carried out using drugs designed for courses (Heptral, Essentiale Forte, etc.). In this case, the overgrown part of the plate requires careful removal.
  • Due to decreased immunity, treatment with vitamin and mineral complexes is used. In severe cases, medications aimed at stimulating the functioning of the immune system may be used.
  • To treat fungal diseases, varnishes are applied: Loceryl, Mikozan or Batrafen. They are expensive, but they give quick results.
  • If the disease is extensive and the fungal infection spreads rapidly, it is necessary to take antibiotics: Diflucan or Fungavis. If a fungal infection leads to deformation of the plate, then ointments are used: Lamisil, Exifin, Thermikon. It is worth considering that the active ingredient of these drugs - ciclopiroxolamine - is effective only in the early stages of foot fungus disease.
  • To restore healthy nail color, you can use traditional methods of treatment:

  • Yellowing of the plates can be treated with fresh lemon juice . Use a cotton swab dipped in juice or pieces of fruit to wipe your nails every day for a few minutes or make compresses.
  • You can eliminate signs of the disease and yellowing of the skin of the feet and nails using a special ointment . To prepare it, you need one tablespoon of 70% vinegar and vegetable oil, then add a raw egg to the solution. The ingredients must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the affected area, wrapped in a clean bandage and put on a warm sock.
  • If the color of natural nails changes due to the use of varnish or prolonged exposure to other unfavorable factors, you can use tea tree oil or celandine , which successfully cope with lesions on the skin of the feet. You can use medications at any time of the day, but to maintain the positive effect, you must wear socks. To improve the condition of the nail, you can use nourishing creams.
  • If yellow stripes form on the tips of your nails, you can use oak bark baths. To prepare a medicinal decoction, you need to mix three tablespoons of oak bark with the same amount of lilac flowers, then add two tablespoons of calendula and one celandine. Pour hot water over the herbs and leave for about a day. After this, the broth must be filtered and used warm for foot baths. This procedure promotes nail growth.

    If the cause of the disease is injury or an infectious disease, then it is impossible to prevent the occurrence of a fungal infection. Otherwise, by adhering to simple rules , you can protect yourself from the occurrence of unpleasant diseases and their consequences:

    • You must follow the rules for visiting swimming pools, saunas or fitness centers.
    • Before a manicure or pedicure, you must disinfect your instruments.
    • Chronic diseases should not be allowed; they can cause yellowing of nails.

    Toenails turn yellow and thicken

    A person's appearance is of great importance for success in social life. Many factors depend on it - from getting a job to establishing relationships with people around you. Modern man pays a lot of attention to appearance. The saying “you meet people by their clothes” remains relevant. This explains the popularity of beauty salons that promise to turn Cinderella into a princess in one day.

    When taking care of yourself, do not forget about the important procedures of manicure and pedicure. The image of a well-groomed person will not be complete if the condition of the hands and feet leaves an unpleasant impression. Nails are considered a reflection of processes in the body. Changes in the shape, color, structure of the nail plate, acquired thickening, yellowing indicate the occurrence of serious health problems.

    The article will talk about the troubles that arise with toenails, the causes of their appearance and methods of treatment. A common disease is damage to the nail on the big toe. Men and women are susceptible to damage. Timely treatment will easily solve the problem that caused the thickening of the fingernail. The main thing is to notice the occurrence of changes in time and take corrective measures. Let's consider how not to miss the onset of the disease, what steps to take for recovery.

    Regular self-diagnosis will allow you to timely identify and stop further development of negative changes in the nail plate on your toes. You don’t need to have any special skills to carry it out, just know what a healthy nail looks like.

    The plate shows a uniform structure, a pale pink tint, and a thickness of no more than 1 mm. When pathologies occur, the nail acquires a yellowish tint, becomes thickened, and splits. The structure of the nail plate changes - tuberosity appears. To prevent the occurrence of serious diseases, it is necessary to regularly examine your fingernails and toenails.

    If there are no unpleasant sensations against the background of ongoing changes, the anxiety is justified. The disease, left unattended, will progress, itching may occur, pain appears when walking and other unpleasant consequences. If changes are detected in the structure of the toenails, it is recommended to immediately consult a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment.

    Changes in the nail plate are caused by external adverse influences and diseases.

    Causes of nail changes not related to diseases

    If your toenails turn yellow and thicken, it is worth finding out the cause of the changes. The underlying cause is not always illness. The following factors have a negative impact:

  • Shoes that are tight, uncomfortable, or made of poor quality material. Constant squeezing of the toes causes blood flow to slow down, causing changes in the structure of the nail. More often in such cases, the big toe suffers. Poor quality materials provoke detachment of the nail plate.
  • Damage (injuries, unprofessional pedicure). Be sure to use sterile instruments for the procedure or have it done by a reliable specialist.
  • Chemical damage. It is important to use high-quality nail products - varnish, remover. Even proven materials contain chemicals that damage the surface of the nail. Periodically it is necessary to take a break from using the procedures.
  • Taking certain medications can cause changes. For example, antibiotics, drugs containing arsenic. It is enough to wait until the end of treatment, and gradually your toenails will return to their original appearance.
  • Nicotine. Heavy smokers are at risk. The harmful effects of nicotine contribute to changes in the color of the nail plate. Smoking causes poor circulation, negatively affecting the structure of the nails.
  • Troubles of this kind can be resolved quite easily. It is enough to exclude traumatic factors, and after a while your toenails will return to normal. Gradually the thickening will decrease and the natural color will return. Treatment will take time - you will have to wait until the healthy nail grows back completely.

    The situation is more complicated with modifications caused by health problems.

    Diseases that cause yellowing and thickening of nails:

    1. Congenital pathology. Thickening of the toe can appear at an early age. Treatment in most cases does not produce results. In appearance it looks like a manifestation of a fungus.
    2. Skin diseases. Fungus, psoriasis. Psoriasis in most cases becomes a hereditary disease and is chronic. The symptoms are similar to a fungal infection, but the treatment methods are very different. Fungus is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and can be treated. Without proper treatment, it spreads further. Accompanied by an unpleasant itching sensation.
    3. Circulatory disorders.
    4. Infections in the chronic stage: syphilis, tuberculosis.
    5. Respiratory system disorders.
    6. Infectious diseases.
    7. Problems with the endocrine system.
    8. Vein problems.
    9. Neuropathy. It occurs as a result of previous injuries and is characterized by damage to nerve endings. The course of the disease is rapid or gradual.
    10. Avitaminosis. A lack of vitamins and minerals weakens the body, leads to the development of various chronic diseases, affecting the condition of the nails on the feet and hands.
    11. The list of diseases is wide. It is impossible to determine by eye the cause of unaesthetic toenails. For example, fungal diseases are caused by many different bacteria. Incorrectly selected treatment will not produce results and can cause additional harm to the body. There is no need to indulge in self-medication. See a doctor and get examined.

      Traditional medicine

      In parallel with the prescribed treatment, or if the damage is caused by mechanical stress and is not associated with a disease, it is permissible to resort to proven folk recipes:

    12. Lemon juice has a wonderful brightening effect. You need to apply a few drops to the nail and rub in. The procedure is recommended no more than twice a week.
    13. Baths with sea salt help strengthen the nail plate and nourish it with microelements.
    14. It is useful to hold your fingers in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, diluted in equal proportions, for 15 minutes. It is recommended to carry out such finger bathing up to three times a day.
    15. Coffee infusion will be an excellent help in the fight against fungal diseases. Helps relieve itching, softens rough tissue.
    16. A solution of baking soda has a disinfecting and softening effect. The procedure takes 15 minutes, the water temperature is not higher than forty degrees, and upon completion, apply a nourishing cream. Carry out 1-2 times a week.
    17. Milkweed decoction. The baths should be taken for twenty minutes; after use, the feet should dry naturally.
    18. Decoctions of St. John's wort provide antiseptic and antimicrobial effects. Baths with similar results can easily be replaced by rubbing juice.
    19. Applying an aloe leaf to the affected area at night will have a soothing and antimicrobial effect. A strengthening mask will help strengthen and accelerate nail growth. Mix 15 grams of aloe juice, two teaspoons of crushed chamomile leaves, a tablespoon of face cream. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to the nail and upper phalanx of the finger. The procedure must be carried out for at least three hours.

      Remember the main thing - the use of these traditional medicines should go in parallel with drug treatment prescribed by a dermatologist.

      Prevention of nail disease

      Health problems are easier to prevent than to treat. To prevent the occurrence of diseases, follow simple rules:

    20. Maintaining hygiene. Regular water procedures using hygiene products prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria that can lead to nail disease.
    21. Use of a personal towel.
    22. You cannot wear or try on someone else's shoes.
    23. When buying new shoes, use socks; when purchasing, treat them from the inside.
    24. When visiting a bathhouse or swimming pool, wear special rubber shoes.
    25. Feet should be shod comfortably, toes should not be cramped, monitor the quality of the material used.
    26. Wash the inside of your shoes regularly.
    27. Socks are required to be changed daily.
    28. Excessive sweating of the feet promotes the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, provoking the development of fungal diseases. A decoction of oak bark will help you cope. Prepare in a proportion of 100 g per 1 liter of water, heat in a water bath for twenty minutes. Should be used cold. Using baby powder will help prevent excessive sweating. Just pour a small amount into your socks or shoes before leaving the house.

      Regular use of foot baths using sea salt and various herbal decoctions that have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties will put an additional barrier to the development of nail plate diseases. Remember, if a nail modification is detected, seeing a doctor will help.

      Often, fungal infection occurs as a result of neglecting the listed personal safety measures. Treat your own well-being with attention, do not ignore the reasonable advice of specialists and be healthy.

      Categories : Prevention

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